Everyone Can Be Bought

(34) Frank Delgado

I started walking towards him. I don't know why. My gut was telling me to get out as fast as I could but my brain was telling me that there was no way he knew who I was. I just wanted to talk to him. I wanted to know what was happening and why all these people were here. Plus it's Axel's father, my dad's business partner. Do you really think I was going to pass this chance to speak with him?

"Do not go towards him!" Softserve yells in my ear. "Winters! Don't you dare talk to him." And when I don't answer him, he sighs. "You're walking towards him aren't you?"

"Mr. Delgado?" I walk up to him and he extends a hand towards me.

"Winters!" Softserve scolds me.

"Yes my dear and who might you be?" He eyes me up and down. Gross. How old is this guy? And he's married. I've lost all hope in the human race.

Crap! I can't use the name Victoria again. It's too risky.

"Tell him it's a secret!" Softserve yells in my ear. I wish he'd stop yelling at me.

"If I told you my name I'd be laying all my cards on the table." I smile as I take a sip of champagne. I'm good!

"Secretive are we?" Delgado raises his eyebrows and nods his head like he's impressed.

"Just act like your normal self for now. When he wants more information I'll feed it to you." Softserve seems to know what he's doing.

"Well in my type of business secrets keep me and my people alive." He motions for me to sit down in the seat next to him at his table.

"And may I ask what business?"

I just smile and shake my head playfully letting my bluish black curls brush my face.

"I should've known." Mr. Delgado clicks his tongue. "But if you didn't use your name how did you get into this party?"

"Simple, I lied. I heard that Brandon Winters was attending so I just said I was one of his many sex friends and here I am." I motion up and down my body. I shouldn't have done that, now he's staring at me.

Frank chuckles. "Clever girl. I do so wish I knew your name doll."

"Winters, tell him that your name is Tess Shay. Don't hesitate, I know what I'm doing." Softserve demands. Ugh authority.

"Frank, it is a little unfair that I know all about you but you know nothing about me." I sigh like telling my name to him pains me. "My name is Tess Shay." I sip my drink casually. I don't even know who this Tess girl is but by the look on Delgado's face she's a pretty big deal.

"You're kidding!" He slams a hand on the table in amusement. I thought they caught you!"

"How many times have they thought they've had me?" I ask this question like it's a rhetorical one but I really am curious.

"They've caught you 12 times and you escaped each time." Softserve fills me in.

"And they didn't." I slouch in my seat. "I've escaped each time so the thirteenth time wasn't so difficult. It gets easier and easier everytime. "

"I never thought I'd ever get to know what you look like. Some people even call you a tall tale. I'm honored." Delgado actually gets up and bows.

What the hell did I do for a living?

"It gets tiring hiding just to keep people guessing. I wanted to let loose for the night. I knew I could trust you though Mr. Delgado, I'm very honored to meet you in person. My sources tell me that you're doing well in the business. I'm impressed! Teaming up with Nathaniel Winters was a game changer wasn't it?" I laugh.